Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is often initially symptom-free.

Later symptoms may include increased frequency of urination, urinary incontinence, weak urinary flow or pain during urination, erectile issues or pain as well as recurrent pain in the hips, thighs or lower back. 

Risk factors include age (older than 65), family history – a father or brother with prostate cancer doubles your risk, a sedentary lifestyle and a diet high in red meat and dairy products.

Diet can play a role in both the development and progression of prostate cancer. For example, lycopene found in tomatoes may reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer and eating a diet rich in cruciferous vegetable4s such as cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage has been shown to slow the growth of prostate cancer and reduce the risk of advanced prostate cancer.

In the case of Prostate cancer treatment options will depend on your PSA value (from a Prostate Specific Antigen blood test), Gleason score (a measure of how well differentiated cells are via a core needle biopsy) and tumour stage (based on a digital rectum exam, MRI, CT or bone scan) and symptoms experienced. Serum acid phosphatase, testosterone and Chromaganin A levels may also be assessed. 

If it is a low risk cancer your oncologist may suggest ‘watchful waiting’ or ‘active surveillance’ over surgery or radiotherapy.

The ReMed Ancora team provides an individually tailored, integrative and supportive program designed around your specific situation. It is an adjunctive care model meaning we work alongside your conventional treatment.  The Ancora team only works with patients that are seeing an oncologist and following their recommendations.

Middle aged man with glasses reading

Our goals is to:

  • Optimise diet and lifestyle during active surveillance

  • Support you through your treatment process whether this be watchful waiting, recovery from surgery or enhancing the effectiveness of any radiation or chemotherapy undertaken.

  • Reduce short and long-term side effects of any medications

  • Introduce a maintenance program to reduce the risk of recurrence or in the case of active surveillance to slow progression – diet, lifestyle including stress management and exercise play an important role in this.

Not sure if this approach is for you? The Ancora team offer a complimentary 20 minute consult so you can ask questions before booking an appointment. The Ancora team only accept patients in to adjunctive care that are consulting with an oncologist and following their recommendations.

Chen P, et al. Lycopene and Risk of Prostate Cancer; A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine, 2015; 94(33):e2160. Watson GW, et al. Phytochemicals from Cruciferous Vegetables, Epigenetics, and Prostate Cancer Prevention, 2013. AAPS; 15(4): 951-961

If you’ve had a diagnosis and would like to see if adjunctive care is suitable for you? Call us on 03 9431 0331 or book an appointment online.

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